[ccchhhrrriiisssm]

My wife's old but very reliable 2003 Ford Escape (V6 - 3.0L) has a battery approaching its out-of-warranty date. I was hoping to buy a replacement at Costco. The typical battery recommendation (even using Costco's Interstate battery lookup) is the 40R group size. However, Costco has been having a very difficult time getting those in stock here in the Silicon Valley.

My local Costco (in Mountain View) supposedly ordered one for me. They said that it would take about a week to arrive. More than three weeks later (and after checking with them), I was told that they couldn't get one because of how "rare" the battery is. This was weird -- because they said that they ordered it and it was tracking a date for delivery (according to the person at the Warehouse). They recommended another Costco which seemingly ordered one too. After ten days, I called and was informed that they had never ordered it.

I'm currently waiting for that Costco to have ordered it. I'm not holding my breath though. This has been a pretty bad experience at what is usually a great experience at Costco.

So, my question:

What is the most viable option for a battery replacement other than 40R?

I've read about the 96R as well as 65 (according to Walmart). Is this doable in a 2003 Ford Escape V6? If so, do I need to do anything for it to "fit" properly?

Thanks for any tips or advice!

 

[Rocinante]

The screw down brackets should hold the alternate sized batteries securely.
I have a 2004 Escape, and I have discovered that the OEM battery and the Sears Diehard battery were the best for my Escape. Unfortunately, I believe Sears no longer makes them and you would have to go to Advance Auto Parts to buy them. You could also try your local Autozone branded batteries, but they have only lasted three to four years in my Escape.

 

[bangster]

96R is over an inch shorter, and most are lower in reserve capacity than the 90R, but as mentioned the width will allow it to be held in place with the factory hold down.

My 2012 Fusion takes the 96R and it wasn't easy to find one of them. I usually go to Walmart but they didn't have it, and since the last one barely lasted a year, probably for the best.

My 2 local Costcos don't have the 96R out on the shelf, but once I asked enough times they looked in the back (actually a sticky note by the register) and said they probably had one in stock in the back, and did.

Oddly enough I wanted to go with the 40R but not only would I need to modify my Fusions battery tray, but some wiring and/or the cowl. I usually have enough reserve capacity and CCA they just don't last long in the heat.

 

[tomw]

`This has been in the SUV for several years now:

Duracell Ultra Gold Flooded 650CCA BCI Group 40R Car and Truck Battery - SLI40RT6M

Duracell Ultra Gold BCI group 40R replacement battery designed for low maintenance and dependable engine starting power. Perfect replacement battery for Ford, Mazda and more

www.batteriesplus.com

It is a Group 40 from what I can figure. 650 CCA

price has gone up. If you do go to their store, you can pre-order online and likely get a discount from the retail. Liked it so much we got another for Mom's car, not exactly the same Group.
It replaced and AC-Delco the dealer put in the day after we brought it home(used). That lasted about 5 years, so the copper top has been in for about the same. Knock on Formica.
tom

 

[tomw]

In situ. I think it was around $140 with either a 20% coupon or a $$ off coupon from visiting the web page. Every store I have been to in the chain has been very helpful and informative. A big step above WallyWorld when trying to select a replacement.
tom

 

[bangster]

In situ. I think it was around $140 with either a 20% coupon or a $$ off coupon from visiting the web page. Every store I have been to in the chain has been very helpful and informative. A big step above WallyWorld when trying to select a replacement.
tom

Yup, that is a 40R, and it is more than most CCA for that size, I don't see the reserve capacity on the battery.

 

[tomw]

I don't see the reserve capacity on the battery.


Maybe the numbers in the very bottom box on the top right label:

Ref CA @ 32F
810

??
tom

 

[SCOOTER]

I was looking for an AGM battery when my Escape's battery went dead a year ago but I couldn't find any on either 96R or 40R at Walmart. Walmart sells AGM as well but none available for both sizes If I have to buy at online Auto Parts stores it's really pricey. I then settled for a Walmart's EverStart led acid battery. Maybe next time if these sizes will be available at Walmart, definitely I'll buy

 

[bangster]

Since they aren't common sizes for vehicles that need AGM batteries, it might be awhile.

My 2015 Fusion, in some trims, had a larger AGM battery. The same tray was used, so I could just get the larger AGM battery. They also started doing the large Group 65 in AGM, so I put one in my 2000 Expedition. The same group 48/H6 in my 2015 requires cutting up the tray in my 2012 Fusion, which I might just do.

The OEM AGM battery from my 2017 Escape, while I did replace it because the CCA was down to less than 250 CCA, still holds 11.8v, and I have used it to jump another vehicle. It has sat for over a year in the back of a truck and still I use it for things.

 

[ProjectSHO89]

I don't see the reserve capacity on the battery.


Maybe the numbers in the very bottom box on the top right label:

Ref CA @ 32F
810

??
tom

Reserve capacity, if given, would have been specified in minutes. Here's an article that explains it. Battery Reserve Capacity

The "810" in the lower right corner is the 32F cranking amps (CA) rating.

 

[ccchhhrrriiisssm]

What would be a good Reserve Capacity for a battery (for the Ford Escape)?